Gandaki, Nov 4: The District Administration Office, Kaski, has urged tourism entrepreneurs and operators in Pokhara to ensure safety in water-based recreational activities, including boating, kayaking and surfing, at Phewa Lake and other lakes in the area.
Issuing a public notice on Tuesday, the Office called for strict compliance with safety standards and existing laws to prevent accidents and protect visitors enjoying water-based activities.
According to the notice issued by Assistant Chief District Officer Ramesh Gharti, boats, kayaks and surfing boats must be registered with the concerned authorities before being operated.
The Office has also made it mandatory for participants to wear life jackets, prohibiting participation in such activities without them.
The Administration has urged operators to regularly assess the condition of customers before allowing them to take part in water sports.
Children below 16 years of age should not be allowed to operate kayaks or surfing boats without parental supervision.
It has also directed operators to conduct activities only in designated areas and not to exceed the number of kayaks and surfing boats approved by the authorities.
Emphasizing the need to protect Pokhara’s natural beauty, the Office has called on tourism businesses to ensure that their activities do not harm the cleanliness or environmental appeal of the lakes.
The notice outlines 15 safety-related provisions, including a clear warning against operating boats, kayaks and surfing boats during strong winds, rainfall and lightning.
The Administration warned that operators who disregard the safety instructions and fail to take necessary precautions will face legal action. —